On behalf of all of Rae Studios, we want to say thank you to all who came out to support our first Performance Workshop Holiday Showcase. Let’s throw up some 👏👏👏 for our 40 performers who dedicated time and energy over the previous few weeks to prepare for this show. Everyone's energy and support echoed in our home studio and we are so blessed to have a wonderful community like ours.
We had 6 instructors lead a workshop series with a batch of eager students that culminated into this show. The night was full of surprises as we got to share the stage with veteran and first-time performers. We also had some guest artists join our community to share in the evening of giving and art. Thank you again to the amazing cast and crew. This was the start of our performance workshop series and we are excited to launch our next one.
Be the first to learn about our next Performance Workshop by signing up on our Mindbody page here. Rehearsals are tentatively starting mid-March and will continue up to the show. The show is tentatively May 21st.
Check out some of these photos from the event
Special Credits:
Event Staff: Andy Blake (Operations Manager), Kevin Wong (Studio Manager), Jessica Rae (Owner / CEO), Diamond Jarrell (Studio Host), Rashawn Moore (Studio Host)
Instructors and Guest Artists: Mariel Aquino, Ethan Clyde, Lydia Chon, Leo Guida, Kimberly Olivier, Jessica Rae, Lara Jean Sullivan, Kevin Wong, Khepri Dance Company, Str8jacket
Thank you to the amazing performers who joined us during this workshop series.
Continue supporting your local artists by making a donation to Rae Studios. Visit our Gofundme page.
Holiday Showcase Photos and Videos found here! Tag: @raestudiossfIf you have any photos or videos you took, we'd love for you to share them with us at THIS LINK!
Rae Studios is ending the year with a showcase and we're inviting you to the show. See live works from our performance workshop series students and choreographers as well as special guest performances. This event is hosted by Jeremy Jones.
DATE: Saturday, December 4th, 2021 | 6:00 pm-9:00 pm PT | In-Person Tickets starting at $20, Free for Monthly Unlimited Members, Livestream Options Available
Find the show program by clicking pdf below.
Tickets: Reserve on Eventbrite or on your Mindbody App.
About the event:
End the year with our special Holiday Showcase featuring performances by our community. This season we held 6 different performance workshop series focusing on developing a piece to showcase the journey of their students. See the culminating works by Kevin Wong, Lara Jean, Leo Guida, Mariel Aquino, Lydia Chon, and Jessica Rae. We've also invited some special guests of the community to perform in this showcase. This event is hosted by our Veteran Instructor Jeremy Jones. Come dressed in cocktail attire and enjoy an evening dedicated to our community.
Tickets: Reserve on Eventbrite or on your Mindbody App.Event Details:
Date / Time: Saturday, December 4th, 2021 | Doors open at 6:00 pm with reception; Show starts at 7:00pm (Estimated length of show 1.5 hours)
Location: Rae Studios, 414 Mason St. 705, San Francisco, CA 94102
Dresscode: Cocktail Attire
Ticket Options:
FREE for Monthly Unlimited Members (register through Mindbody for your free admission; email kevin@raeagency.com for assistance)
$20 In-Person Prepay
$25 In-Person At the Door
$15 Livestream General Admission
For anyone struggling financially but still want to attend the event, please email us for Work-Exchange opportunities kevin@raeagency.com.
Registration is required for this event. Proof of vaccination is required for in-studio.
Eventbrite: https://holiday-showcase-21.eventbrite.com
Tickets: Reserve on Eventbrite or on your Mindbody App.
About Rae Studios
Founded in 2012, Rae Studios is a dance & fitness center, overlooking San Francisco's Union Square. The studio is located on the 7th floor of the Native Sons of Golden West building, a historic preservation and organization founded in 1875. With wall-to-wall mirrors, high ceilings, stretch bars, state-of-the-art sound system and our electrifying in-house dance & fitness instructors, Rae Studios is the perfect solution for group and one-on-one training exercise.
Our mission is to merge the ideologies of popular dance culture by bridging fitness gym and traditional dance studio mentality into a place that welcome all levels of dance & fitness in a healthy progressive environment. Our goal is to provide San Francisco dance seekers with community, growth and participation through artistic outlets of music + movement. Our culture is simple; create a space for dance and community to thrive, water the roots of our passion, fuel our dreams by action, and inspire others to do the same.
Tickets: Reserve on Eventbrite or on your Mindbody App.Meet your host: Jeremy Jones
Jeremy Jones Lawson began his career as a dancer in Spring 2008 at the University of Memphis. Since then he has trained in different studios throughout the Memphis community.
He joined Bridging Souls Production Dance Company (BSP) fall of 2010 under the direction of Tamara Parish and quickly became the Rehearsal Director.
With a musical theatre background, Jeremy has performed in several productions ie: Regional Premier of “The Color Purple” By Alice Walker.
With the combination of dance, Jeremy has found time to also work with different community leaders and national non-profit organizations. Such as The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis, as the Performing Arts Coordinator.
Jeremy moved to San Francisco in 2014 to pursue his career in dance and fitness. Since his move he has worked with several dance companies; including RAE Studios, Danse Lumiere Contemporary Ballet Co, Performing Arts Academy of Marin, and working as one of the Cardio Hip Hop instructors & Assistant Director of the Youth Dance Program at New Style MotherLode International Dance Co.
Lastly one of Lawson’s most proud accomplishments is being a dad to his two little girls Janie & Jordyn Lawson.
Tickets: Reserve on Eventbrite or on your Mindbody App.Learn more about the choreographers and their work:
Tickets: Reserve on Eventbrite or on your Mindbody App.
Kevin Wong
Something Comforting
A contemporary piece challenging ways we think about comfort.
Choreography: Kevin Wong in collaboration with the dancers
Performers: Bazyli Brzóska, Emily Gallagher, Jennifer Lowe, Renzo Santos, Suzanne Earle
Music: "Something Comforting" by Porter Robinson
Kevin Wong, from San Francisco, California, is a Dance Major and Education minor graduate from the University of California, Riverside. He has been dancing for eighteen-years in Chinese Folk with the Flying Angels Chinese Dance Company. In high school, he was introduced to modern, ballet, jazz, and hip hop by Wendy Jones, founder of the Lowell Dance Company. During his college years, he directed Collective Faction Hip Hop Dance Team, performed in the Gluck Contemporary Dance Ensemble, and supported many of the UCR Dance productions. In addition to his performing body, Kevin has trained his dancing body in modern, ballet, hip hop, West African, Capoeira Angola, improvisation, and breaking. After graduating college, Kevin participated in SAFEhouse Winter 2019 RAW and year-long AIRSPACE residency programs, revitalized the Shawl-Anderson Dance Center Teen Hip Hop classes, and performed with Project M, an all male hip hop dance team, STEAMROLLER, a contemporary dance group, and with his collaborating partner Mathew Wong. Currently, he is the Artistic Director of Flying Angels Chinese Dance Company, teaches with the HeART with LINES program, and leads weekly adult Choreography and Zumba classes.
Tickets: Reserve on Eventbrite or on your Mindbody App.
Lara Jean Sullivan
Another Day of Sun
Before you is a sneak peek live stage interpretation of the Feature Film Musical “La La Land”.
Choreography: Lara Jean Sullivan
Stage Direction: Lara Jean Sullivan
Music: Justin Hurwitz, Benj Pasek, Justin Paul
Dancers: Bazyli Brzoska, Danielle Handel, Robert Holmes, Jessie Kurt Aniguid
This SUNY Purchase Conservatory graduate started her journey puppeteering as Elmo for Sesame Street Live. From there she took off, backup dancing for Bruce Springsteen, Paris Hilton, and choreographing for Oxygen Network bringing her movement to life for the Alexander McQueen Tribute video at the Metropolitan Opera House. She just recently choreographed her first target commercial and you can now see her style in a few music videos throughout the world. Not only is Lara Jean Sullivan an accomplished dancer and choreographer, she is a multi award winning actor. You can see her on any movie app from your TV or cell phone. As of September 2021, Lara Jean started working with America’s Got Talent’s performance group All Wheel Sports.
Tickets: Reserve on Eventbrite or on your Mindbody App.
Leo Guida
The VIP's
"The VIP's" brings a taste of the best Brazilian funk-pop-electro moves that make you feel like in the middle of Brazil. Sexy, hot, and very energetic, this piece is really made by Brazil's VIPs for VIPs.
Choreography: Leo Guida, Flavio Verne, and dancers.
Performers: Cesar Melo, Jeffrey Dietrich, Guillermo Yiyo Ornelas, Nara Janvelyan, Leo Guida
Music: "VIP" by Luisa Sonza, "Buzina" by Pabllo Vittar, "Faking Love" by Anitta
Born and raised in Brazil, Leo started dancing for fun at school presentations but soon was spotted by a dance teacher who invited him to join one of the famous dance groups in Brazil called "Tribo Cia de Dança", in 2010. There, he was introduced to hip-hop, street jazz, and dance hall. With time, he started to introduce the same dance styles to kids as a regular teacher for years in different dance studios.
He also participated in several dance festivals all over Brazil, competitions with the dance crew, and was a backup dancer for famous drag queens in nightclubs shows. He recently participated as a backup dancer in the 2019 San Francisco LGBTQIA+ Pride Parade with one of the most famous Brazilian artists today, Pabllo Vittar.
Currently, he holds a project of free dance classes for Brazilians at Dolores Park. He is passionate about his culture and he uses dance to bring his Brazilian community together, lessening the effects of inevitable homesickness.
Tickets: Reserve on Eventbrite or on your Mindbody App.
Lydia Chon
LaLisa - LISA of BLACKPINK Cover
This KPOP dance piece is a dance cover of the popular song "LaLisa" by Lisa of BLACKPINK.
Choreography: Lee Jung Lee & LISA of BLACKPINK
Performers: Lydia Chon, Tegan Barry, Catherine Chen, Jessica Lin, Amanda Wang, Jonathan Hsun, Ummon Karpe
Music: "LaLisa" by LISA of BLACKPINK
Lydia is a 25 year old New Orleans native who has lived in the Bay Area for over two years. She has danced for over 11 years and is trained in jazz, ballet, contemporary, and hip hop where she danced competitively on a dance team. She was also part of the All-Star Dance Team where she performed in international countries. With her love for K-Pop, she currently teaches Beginner/Intermediate K-Pop classes where she can teach you your favorite K-Pop choreo. Currently, she is represented by Rae Dance Agency.
Tickets: Reserve on Eventbrite or on your Mindbody App.
Mar Aquino
Oh yeah?
An energetic exploration of different textures in feminine choreography. Enjoy!
Choreography: Mariel Aquino
Performers: Tanzeela Khan, Jennie Zeng, Sabrina Leu, Angel Sun
Music: "Kickin Back" by Mila J, "Me & U" by Cassie, "Buss It" by Erica Banks
Mariel is a Chicago-born 23-year-old that has loved dancing and expression her whole life. She got her start experimenting with choreography with friends in high school, then went on to dance competitive hip hop at Cal. Finding great joy in creating and communicating with groups, she went on to choreograph for various competition and exhibition teams in the Berkeley Dance Community. She's been active in the Chicago and Berkeley hip hop dance scenes and trains in LA when able. In terms of choreography, Mariel draws inspiration from commercial and lyrical hip hop, as well as R&B and 90s grooves. Outside of this, she is currently training in ballet to push her artistic discipline, technique, and athleticism. Ultimately, she aims to offer a class that is not only great exercise, but a safe space to practice creative expression, making mistakes, and enjoying the process!
Tickets: Reserve on Eventbrite or on your Mindbody App.
Jessica Rae
Pop Jam Set
Let's welcome our Pop Jam Crew completing our first ever Pop Jam Workshop series. They will be performing a fun, sassy combo to "Honey" by Mariah Carey, "Shivers" by Ed Sherren and "Ooh Ooh Baby" by the Queen of Pop, Britney Spears. Let's give a warm round of applause to Anna Bolender, William Faust, Suz Earle and JP Gorrut choreographed by Jessica Rae.
Choreography: Jessica Rae
Performers: Anna Bolender, Jean-Philippe Gorrut, Suzanne Earle, William Faust
Music: "Honey" by Mariah Carey, "Ooh Ooh" by Britney Spears, "Shivers" by Ed Sheeren
Jessica Rae is the owner and director of Rae Model & Talent Agency LLC and Rae Studios, a local dance and fitness studio located in San Francisco's Union Square. Jessica's teaching dance background and certifications include Cardio Dance, Cize Live, Pound Pro, Kickboxing, and Barre along with various styles of dance choreography.
Currently, Jessica teaches weekly classes at Rae Studios, Studiomix, Bay Club & GAP HQ along with various brands/clients like Athleta, William Sonoma, Airbnb, Facebook, Lorna Jane, Lucy, Marriott, Crunch Gym & W Hotel. In addition to her teaching background, Jessica's has also been seen dancing for celebrity artists like Lady Gaga, Ludacris, Kid Rock, E-40 and Too Short.
On her spare time, she enjoys training through martial arts and kickboxing!
"Take time to make your soul happy”
Tickets: Reserve on Eventbrite or on your Mindbody App.Meet our special guest performers:
Str8jacket
Feed the Fire
Putting the fun in fundamentals
Choreographers: Cosmos Yuqi Wang, Kristie Lui, Cynthia Tsai, Lexi Nutkiewicz
Performers: Cosmos Yuqi Wang, Cynthia Tsai, Lexi Nutkiewicz, Eric Huynh, Ginelle Quinones
Music: "Feed the Fire" by SG Lewis and Lucky Daye
Founded in 2012, Str8jacket is a dance company based out of the Bay Area promoting creativity, grit, and growth. They aim to develop economic, social, and philosophical change within and for their community. Str8jacket believes every person should be able to grow as a dancer. They work to remove potential barriers to improvement by being a no-audition, low tuition, and growth-focused dance team. They believe that with discipline, grit, and passion, anyone can grow as a dancer, and more importantly, as a person. Str8jacket strongly supports the Bay Area hip-hop dance community and mental wellness.
Tickets: Reserve on Eventbrite or on your Mindbody App.
Khepri Dance Company
Tabla Maa Tabla
A fun compilation that is a nod to belly dance in American popular culture with a classic finish.
Choreography: Andrea Sendek
Performers: Andrea Sendek, Tré Henderson
Music: "Tabla Maa Tabla" by Seyyed Madbouli
Andrea Sendek founded Khepri Dance Company In 2015. Guided by her unique vision, Khepri performs dynamic works that honor the cultural traditions of belly dance as well as works that renew and invigorate it. Khepri shares this exciting vision of belly dance with audiences throughout the year performing at private and public events. The company has also been featured at venues such as the 2016 San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, The Gregangelo Museum, and Yerba Buena Nights.
Tickets: Reserve on Eventbrite or on your Mindbody App.
Kimberly Marie Olivier
A Nutcracker Nightmare
(Spoof) A ballerina's worst nightmare is not having her proper routines, rituals, and most importantly pointe shoes set before an important rehearsal or worse, performance. As we head into the joyous holidays, this particular retired ballerina realizes her company needs her last minute to perform on stage turning into a Nutcracker Nightmare!
Choreography: Kimberly Marie Olivier
Music: Mixed compilation of the Nutcracker/ Surprise Guest Artists
Born in New York, New York, Kimberly Marie Olivier (she/her) has been a Corps de Ballet dancer with the San Francisco Ballet since 2010 after being named an apprentice in 2009. Her stage name was formerly Kimberly Braylock. She has been nominated “Excellence in Individual Performance '' for the 2018-2019 Isadora Duncan Dance Awards due to her solo in Helgi Tomasson’s The Fifth Season. Her repertoire at San Francisco Ballet includes soloist, principal, and featured roles performed at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco and beyond. To name a few favorites: Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Hippolyta) and The Four Temperaments (2nd Theme), Tomasson’s Swan Lake (Swan Maiden, Spanish Princess), Ashton’s Symphonic Variations, Wheeldon’s Cinderella (Spanish Princess), and Caniparoli’s Ibsen’s House (Ellida Wangel) and Lambarena.
Tickets: Reserve on Eventbrite or on your Mindbody App.
Ethan Clyde
rejoice, Mama.
"rejoice, Mama." is a contemporary African dance piece that embodies and pays homage to the late Dr. Kariamu Welsh, the progenitor of the Umfundalai dance technique.
Choreography: Ethan Clyde
Music: "Jabula" by Afrikan Roots, Cici, Ismael
Louisiana and California native, Ethan Clyde is a performer, choreographer and dance educator. At the University of Louisiana-Monroe, he trained in Modern dance, jazz, tap, ballet and Umfundalai, a pan-afro Caribbean dance technique. With his training and passion for dance, he has explored the art form through dance films, stage choreography, pageant choreography, and dance education.
In 2021, Ethan co-choreographed and directed "HERE I AM," a dance film that was 1 of the selected works accepted into the American College Dance Association's National Screendance Festival Gala. Aside from dance films, he continues to choreograph dance works for the University of Louisiana-Monroe's Dance Repertory Ensemble.
Ethan has performed in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama with the ULM Dance Repertory Ensemble, toured with musical artist Beatrice, and danced in award-winning talent numbers for the Miss Gay US of A pageant system.
As for teaching, Ethan has taught hip-hop at his Alma Mater, ballet at It's My Passion Dance Company, and Afro-Caribbean fusion in the Bay Area and Louisiana. He received his M'Singha Wuti teaching license in Umfundalai, a contemporary African dance technique, from the National Association of American African Dance Teachers (NAAADT) in 2021.
Tickets: Reserve on Eventbrite or on your Mindbody App.Follow us!